Pawnshops have allocated a budget of 70 million baht to accommodate parents pawning valuables in preparation for buying clothes and paying their children's school fees.
At 08:30 on 12 May 2026, the atmosphere before the new school term in Loei province was lively at malls, gold shops, and pawnshops. Parents and residents facing financial difficulties ahead of their children's school opening brought valuables to sell or pawn in order to obtain money for purchasing school uniforms and paying tuition fees.
Mrs. Bussara Chaichan, manager of the Loei Municipality Pawnshop (a government pawnshop) on Phiphat Mongkhon Road, Kut Pong Subdistrict, Mueang Loei District, said they have allocated a 70 million baht budget to serve customers. They also launched a special promotion reducing interest rates to welcome the school opening. For services between 1 May and 30 June 2026, pawns from 1,000 to 5,000 baht have an interest rate of 0.25% for the first three months and 0.50% per month thereafter; pawns from 5,000 to 10,000 baht are charged 0.75% for the first three months and 1.00% monthly afterward; and pawns over 10,000 baht have a 1.00% monthly interest rate. This service helps parents, with nearly 300 customers some days before the school term starts.
Most transactions involve pawning and selling gold to generate cash flow for expenses during the 2026 school opening. Ninety-five percent of items pawned are gold ornaments such as necklaces, bracelets, and rings, followed by electrical appliances. Agricultural tools essential for farming are also pawned. Gold is convenient for service use and has a high value. If customers cannot redeem their items, they can renew interest payments. This year, the 70 million baht circulating fund is expected to be sufficient.
Additionally, gold shops on Ruamjai and Charoen Rat Roads are bustling and popular among parents who come to use their services because gold prices are high and buying and selling are convenient. Parents need money to cover various expenses during the major 2026 school opening, which carries higher costs than previous years due to rising prices. Most customers pawn or sell gold, making business busier than usual. Few redeem their items. Interest rates remain fair and consistent with market rates to help alleviate financial difficulties for the public.